“He panicked and didn’t tell anybody, but nobody is suggesting this was a deliberate act.

“In the end, he did the right thing, but it took far too long. “

Haury pleaded guilty to neglect and ill-treatment of a young person at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court. He was given a prison sentence of 20 weeks, suspended for 12 months. He must also undertake 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement, 100 hours unpaid work and must pay £200 in costs.

Magistrates told Haury: “Your crime is so serious, that the consequences of not telling anyone could have been fatal.”